Homemade Vanilla Extract
Produce your own Homemade Vanilla Extract with just two ingredients - it's the easiest recipe you'll ever make. So much better than store bought and definitely more economical. Make a large batch and throughout the year you’ll have the perfect gift for home cooks.
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Servings: 50
Calories: 12kcal
Equipment
- A funnel
- 1 sterilised jar or bottle large enough to hold the quantity you’re making
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to split the vanilla pods lengthways along their centres.
- Trim the pods if they are too tall for your jar / bottle. The important point is to keep the vanilla pods submerged in vodka. If they are exposed to air they will become slimy and ruin your extract.
- Place pods in your jar and cover with vodka.
- Store in a dark place and shake once a week.
- Leave for at least 6 weeks - the flavour will mature and grow more intense over time. I like to leave mine for at least 6 months.
- Decant into a small bottle for easy use. You can strain the extract if you wish but I like to see all the tiny bits of vanilla.
- If you decant off any extract, ensure the pods in your main jar remain submerged. You can top up your jar with vodka and add 1 or 2 more split vanilla pods.
- Don’t forget to give your topped up extract a shake every once in a while.
- Use your homemade vanilla extract in the same quantities as store bought vanilla extract.
Notes
- I find it best to remove the vanilla pods from the extract when I'm gifting bottles. Otherwise, your recipient will be responsible for topping up the alcohol so the pods are not exposed to the air.
- Calories are per teaspoon of Vanilla Extract.
- Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg